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MYREALANA
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 11/21/12 12:31 P
What can I say? Sometimes I have to take one for the team.
My next two books though are "Physics of the Future" and "Physics of the Impossible" by Michio Kaku.
I have higher hopes for these.
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
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BRIDIE5
Posts: 7,714 11/21/12 10:17 A
Myrea, LMBO..I couldn't even slog through 50 Shades of Gray..one of the worst written and repetitive pieces of pulp fiction I've encountered in long time. Life is too short to read badly written books .
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CEELEE53
Posts: 4,773 11/16/12 4:58 P
Thanks for the heads-up Myrea. It did not make my Christmas book list, but it's nice to know my instincts were correct.
"Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country." Franklin D. Roosevelt
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MYREALANA
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 11/16/12 12:26 P
Here's one I recomend you skip: "50 Shades of Grey"
No, I didn't buy it. I checked it out from the library on my Kindle.
As research.
I'm writing commercial fiction. I should know what's in the market. 50 Shades is a little outside my particular market, but I figured I should at least be able to speak to it from a position of knowledge instead of simply dismissing it out of hand as hack work.
Now I've read it. I can definitively say - it's the worst kind of hack writing. It's horrible. Terrible. Painful to read. Seriously. Even the sex scenes aren't worth it. Unbelivable characters acting in unbelievable, inconsistant ways. Everyone is biting their lips. rolling their eyes, smirking and setting their lips in a "hard line" on every other page. I swear, if I have to read about Anastasia's "inner goddess" one more time, I'm going to pull out the riding crop.
Bad.
Just bad.
Do not read it. You want hot sex? Read Julie Garwood, or Amanda Quick - actual strong, intelligent female heroines, hot romantic men, AND a plot plus good writing.
Please, for the love of all literature, do not read this book.
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
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NATHELESS
Posts: 5,418 11/14/12 5:30 P
Reading "What is the What" by Dave Eggars.
It's really good so far, but saddening... much senseless killing (not unexpected, considering the subject matter, but still, I get sad when I read of such things).
I am a little lazy, so here's the Amazon description:
What Is the What is the epic novel based on the life of Valentino Achak Deng who, along with thousands of other children —the so-called Lost Boys—was forced to leave his village in Sudan at the age of seven and trek hundreds of miles by foot, pursued by militias, government bombers, and wild animals, crossing the deserts of three countries to find freedom. When he finally is resettled in the United States, he finds a life full of promise, but also heartache and myriad new challenges. Moving, suspenseful, and unexpectedly funny, What Is the What is an astonishing novel that illuminates the lives of millions through one extraordinary man.
2013: A year to become my best self yet! Eating well, being active and loving life as long and hard as possible.
Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they're yours.
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COACHPENNY
Posts: 10,085 10/17/12 3:43 P
I'm not scared at all. In fact, I welcome President Obama's re-election.
“A word to the wise ain't necessary, it's the stupid ones who need the advice.”
Bill Cosby
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REGILIEH
SparkPoints: (118,841)
Fitness Minutes: (81,867) Posts: 5,390 10/16/12 9:13 A
I just read THE AMATEUR by Edward Klein. It scares you to death if he gets elected again.
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COACHPENNY
Posts: 10,085 9/19/12 12:30 P
Just finished "The Host" by Stephanie Meyer. Riveting story set in the near future where a race of aliens takes over our planet by inhabiting the bodies of humans BUT for the greater good (according to the aliens). Alien socialism. Is this really for the greater good? Is their way, the only way?
“A word to the wise ain't necessary, it's the stupid ones who need the advice.”
Bill Cosby
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MYREALANA
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 9/19/12 9:30 A
Written by a friend of mine, and published last February. It's sold as a YA, but it's written more for older teens and adults than for kids. It's a completely different kind of urban fantasy. The author is an anthropologist and brings a deep understanding of cultures and myths to her writing.
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
23 Days until: London!
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MYREALANA
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 9/12/12 8:21 A
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda and Darth Paper Strikes Back
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We found a new one shopping at Costco last week: The Secret of the Fortune Wookie.
We picked it up for our 9-year-old. He sat down with it Saturday afternoon and didn't stop reading except to sleep or eat until he finished it.
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
23 Days until: London!
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CCHEF1
SparkPoints: (3,058)
Fitness Minutes: (0) Posts: 1,114 8/15/12 4:46 P
I would LOVE to read Hunger Games but I kind of have a rule not to buy any print novels since I much prefer reading them electronically and can store more and it is much less expensive to read books that way. Nonfiction I cut myself slack on if I want the book. Magazines always in print versions as they take up too much space and are way overpriced on my device.
Anyhow, re HG it is NOT for some crazy reason in iBooks. So I refuse to read it lol.
I will someday.
Thanks for posting IMNAHA, I value hearing what people think of the book.
Maintenance of a major weight loss includes now & then dealing with the regains! ~ Me
Constant Vigilance ~ Mad Eye Moody
When looking for faults, use a mirror, not a telescope. ~ Unknown Source
SparkPoints: (21,866)
Fitness Minutes: (19,946) Posts: 1,632 7/6/12 5:46 P
Hunger Games very good But quite a cnabge feom what I usually read.
Jean From Imnaha Oregon
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REBECANOLA
Posts: 3,147 6/5/12 3:52 P
I recently finished a book called "American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America" by Chris Hedges and I'm currently reading 'I Don't Believe in Atheists' by the same author. Both discuss the dangers of fundamentalism (religious in the former and non religious in the latter) and I found the discussion quite interesting.
“I shall stay the way I am because I do not give a damn.”
-Dorothy Parker
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CEELEE53
Posts: 4,773 5/30/12 10:30 A
I've had Bill Clinton's book on my reading list for awhile now...must go to the library and check it out.
Just finished the Hunger Games trilogy. Totally enjoyed them. Now to see the movie...
"Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country." Franklin D. Roosevelt
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MYREALANA
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 11/11/11 2:51 P
Back to Work: Why We Need Smart Government for a Strong Economy by Bill Clinton.
Just the antidote I needed after reading The Big Short. Now, if only people in Washington would stop bickering long enough to actually read it.
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
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TESSNOW
Posts: 44 10/24/11 12:01 A
Currently have a quest going to read all six of George R.R. Martin's huge fantasy series, "A song of Fire and Ice." I am on book one and don't have much time to read right now, so it'll take awhile. Very enjoyable read.
"Got the mojo back!" ~ Some Guy, Back in the Day
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MYREALANA
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 9/12/11 9:30 P
For children ages 8-12:
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda and Darth Paper Strikes Back
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
23 Days until: London!
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TESS_O_LANDS
Posts: 2,211 6/29/11 6:53 P
I am having fun today reading a book by Hungry Girl. I love fun cookbooks with "diet" focus.
"All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renewed shall be blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien
I recently saw that "The Help" is going to be turned into a movie, which I was not aware of.
I read it last year and it was wonderful. Hope the movie is as good.
"All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renewed shall be blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 2/14/11 10:39 A
"Packing For Mars" by Mary Roach.
It's fascinating not only because of the information relayed but because Ms. Roach is a wonderful writer. I'm off now to pick up her other books: "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers," "Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife" and "Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex"
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
23 Days until: London!
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MANSMAMOMI
Posts: 4,390 1/12/11 1:09 P
I would like to bring up again "the book of unholy mischief" by Ellen Newmark. Elle is known by some of us here as a former Sparker and vehement atheist. Her book is not only written exceptionally well, the story she tells is taking you in a different world.
Co Team Leader "The soapbox"
Dec 30, 2008: New in all book stores: The Book of Unholy mischief by Ellen Newmark
email me: mansmamomi@hotmail.com
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MANSMAMOMI
Posts: 4,390 1/12/11 12:55 P
I would like to bring up again "the book of unholy mischief" by Ellen Newmark. Elle is known by some of us here as a former Sparker and vehement atheist. Her book is not only written exceptionally well, the story she tells is taking you in a different world.
Co Team Leader "The soapbox"
Dec 30, 2008: New in all book stores: The Book of Unholy mischief by Ellen Newmark
email me: mansmamomi@hotmail.com
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BARBBF
Posts: 5,001 10/28/10 10:12 A
I read the book, borrowed the library copy...and then my Daughter found me the audiobook. One of the most fantastic books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I was listening again to the audiobook recording of "The Doomsday Book" a few days ago.
MYREALANA
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 10/27/10 3:35 P
"The Doomsday Book" by Connie Willis was AWESOME. I actually took an afternoon off of work to finish it. I sat at my desk all morning trying to work and couldn't get it out of my mind, so I just told my boss I was leaving early and wenthome.
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
23 Days until: London!
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CELAINE1
Posts: 1,541 8/1/10 6:21 P
The Passage by Justin Cronin. Very good, the first part of a trilogy. I hope book two is as good and we don't have to wait too long to start reading.
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MYREALANA
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 7/28/10 12:48 P
I'm still working my way through "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis.
I can't read much of it at a time, because what went on simply makes me furious. But, if you want to know why the global economy imploded, it's a must-read.
I have long known many of the things that went on, but examining it depth shows that the factors were at once far more complex than expected, and embarrassingly simple.
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
23 Days until: London!
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BARBBF
Posts: 5,001 4/7/10 5:49 P
Anything by Martha Grimes, P. D. James (Inspector Dalgleish mysteries), Faye Kellerman, Margaret Atwood. Octavia Butler, one of the few African-American female science fiction writers that I am aware of. I love Nevada Barr, as she writes about the experiences of Anna Pigeon. The series of mystery novels are set in the National Parks of the USA. Anna Pigeon is a Park Ranger. Connie Willis..author of the very strange and mysterious "Doomsday Book", Elizabeth Peters, Lillian Jackson Braun and Margaret Truman...who I found to be an excellent mystery writer about what takes place in "Our Nation's Capital".
Edited by: BARBBF at: 4/7/2010 (18:12)
DRLANEY
Posts: 277 3/26/10 10:38 A
The New Babylon—Those Who Reign Supreme by Michael Collins Piper
Laney
"The devil's greatest trick was convincing the world he didn't exist."
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BUTLERGIRL
Posts: 282 3/21/10 12:15 A
Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel is very good, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Eye of the Dragon by Stephen King.
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CELTIC_WITCH
SparkPoints: (55,484)
Fitness Minutes: (38,675) Posts: 4,785 3/5/10 5:22 P
Treasury of Gifts unending, Open now my closed heart’s door Waken spirit deep within me Send me giving’s gift once more.
-Caitlin Matthews
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JILLAJ
SparkPoints: (25,551)
Fitness Minutes: (7,550) Posts: 4,697 1/21/10 12:00 P
ooooo Eat, Pray, Love is a good one! I was not impressed with Her Fearful Symmetry the latest from Audrey Niffenegger. I loved The Time Traveler's Wife and was really disappointed with this one.
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Mary Oliver
"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." Albert Einstein
CEELEE53
Posts: 4,773 1/20/10 1:52 P
"Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert...Loved it!
Edited by: CEELEE53 at: 1/20/2010 (13:53)
"Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country." Franklin D. Roosevelt
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JILLAJ
SparkPoints: (25,551)
Fitness Minutes: (7,550) Posts: 4,697 1/20/10 9:59 A
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Mary Oliver
"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." Albert Einstein
DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 1/11/10 9:27 A
"Scar Tissue" by Anthony Kiedis
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
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DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 1/5/10 12:28 P
The Book of the Dead by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
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DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 12/31/09 9:29 A
"The Book of Love" by Kathleen Mcgowan
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
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DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 12/29/09 11:18 A
"Pirate Latitudes" by Michael Crichton
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
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DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 12/17/09 9:23 A
"Always in Style" By Doris Pooser
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
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DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 12/16/09 9:26 A
"The Rosetta Key" by William Dietrich
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
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DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 12/15/09 8:55 A
"High Society - The Life of Grace Kelly" by Donald Spoto
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
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DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 12/14/09 9:04 A
"The Murder of King Tut" By James Patterson
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
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CEELEE53
Posts: 4,773 12/10/09 9:25 A
Just finished reading "The Time Traveler's Wife"...I think what made this book come alive to me was having just spent a month in Chicago this past Sept. The book is set there...and having actually been to many of the places in the book made for it hard to put down.
Has anyone seen the movie AND read the book? I'm wondering if the movie is worth renting/buying.
"Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country." Franklin D. Roosevelt
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DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 12/2/09 9:35 A
Read "Secret Societies: Their Influence and Power from Antiquity to the Present Day" by Michael Howard.
Wow!!!!
Also, finally watch the movie Angels and Demons...great movie!!
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
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FILMMAKER1
Posts: 661 11/16/09 11:26 P
I also read "The Handmaid's Tale" in a book club many years ago. We had great discussions. I really like Margaret Atwood and would also recommend "The Blind Assassin".
Edited by: FILMMAKER1 at: 11/16/2009 (23:29)
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." - Maya Angelou
Change your mind and your life will follow.
MYREALANA
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 11/16/09 12:47 P
I just finished "The Handmaids Tale" by Margaret Atwood.
I think it should be required reading for anyone who seeks to legislate morality in this country.
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
23 Days until: London!
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DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 11/12/09 2:43 P
Just finished reading the fiction novel "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova.
FANTASTIC!!!!!!
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
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CAZERIA
SparkPoints: (11,201)
Fitness Minutes: (5,225) Posts: 1,114 11/1/09 2:57 P
I'm in the midst of "This is Your Brain on Music" by Daniel Levitin, which is all about the connections between our brains and how we comprehend music. Wow. Combined with the fact that I just bought some really great headphones, I'm listening to music in a whole new way. It's been fantastic.
Sara "Life is an unfoldment, and the further we travel the more truth we can comprehend. To understand the things that are at our door is the best preparation for understanding those that lie beyond." -Hypatia
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FILMMAKER1
Posts: 661 10/23/09 7:44 P
"The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" - David Wroblewski. A candidate for The Great American Novel. As Janet Maslin/NY Time put it, "a great, big mesmerizingread". A great book for dog lovers like me.
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." - Maya Angelou
Change your mind and your life will follow.
FILMMAKER1
Posts: 661 10/12/09 11:29 P
"A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry. A novel of India interweaving the stories of two tailors from the Indian, beggars, and a widow in Calcutta in a heartwrenching, funny, engrossing story set against the backdrop of the Indira Gandi regime. If you liked Slumdog Millionaire and love an epic novel, this will draw you in. Personally, I love Indian authors and filmmakers (Mira Nair especially).
Edited by: FILMMAKER1 at: 10/12/2009 (23:31)
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." - Maya Angelou
Change your mind and your life will follow.
DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 10/12/09 12:04 P
Just finished reading "Skin Trade" by Laura Hamilton....Anita Blake vampire slayer series.
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
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FILMMAKER1
Posts: 661 10/3/09 12:21 P
"A Member of the Wedding" - Carson McCullers, an author who was ahead of her time. I would compare it to Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird".
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." - Maya Angelou
Change your mind and your life will follow.
DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 10/1/09 10:17 A
Dan Brown's latest Fiction Novel "the Lost Symbol"....fantastic read!!!
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
*** SAVE A LIFE! ADOPT A RESCUE/SHELTER DOG OR CAT***
*** I'm not perfect, but Jesus thinks I'm to die for! ***
GUINEVEREART
Posts: 260 8/17/09 12:18 P
Fiction: 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy
'Good Omens' by Terry Pratchett
'Dune Trilogy' by Frank Herbert
'Guinevere' and 'Isolde' trilogies by Rosalind Miles
Non Fic: 'Why Beautiful People Have More Daughters' by Alan Miller
'Demon Haunted World' by Carl Sagan
'Epileptic' by David B.
If you liked Guns, germs and Steel, you've got to read another Diamond book called : 'The Third Chimpanzee'
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DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 8/11/09 2:08 P
"Buddhism for Beginners" by Thubten Chodron
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
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DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 8/3/09 11:25 A
I am reading "Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown
Very exciting so far! I have trouble putting the book down.
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
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ANAUTHOR
Posts: 4,369 8/1/09 7:28 P
Hi! What a pleasure to see some old friends still here.
I've been MIA but I have a good excuse. My novel, The Book of Unholy Mischief was released last Dec and it's been nonstop craziness ever since. Jan I went on a national book tour and then to Italy and the UK, Feb the book was a Barne's & Noble pick of the month, March I was in India researching the next book, April and May spent polishing the new book, June in Italy, July on a blog tour. Unholy Mischief has now been translated into 16 languages and now I start the final draft of the India book with my editor.
But I've missed Sparkpeople. The chatting, the joking, the fighting... Working for a living is cramping my style.
But I have some book recommendations: Sarah's Key will break your heart. The Book Thief uses the brilliant device of Death as the narrator, and Cutting for Stone is beautiful.
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 6/24/09 9:43 A
I know this is a movie but I saw the Proposal over the weekend (with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds) and it is so funny. I laughed through the whole movie. Laughter is always good.
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
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MYREALANA
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 6/23/09 4:02 P
If you watch Iron Chef America, you know Jeffrey Steingarten. He's the short, round, grey-haired one. I always found him somewhat pompous and arrogant, and I never liked him.
But now that I'm reading his book "The Man Who Ate Everything" I have a newfound appreciation for him.
This is a man who truly appreciates food, and throws himself wholeheartedly into new culinary advetures. He has spent months baking the perfect loaf of wile yeast bread, tested 35 varieties of ketchup on McDonalds french fries, and spent a month as a vegetarian among others.
Like others in the food world that I greatly admire (Tony Bourdain and Alton Brown for instance) he appreciates good food for what it is. A street vendor hot dog has its appeal, as does a 3 Michelin star gourmet repast.
And, he's funny.
If you like food and/or frequently watch ICA, check it out.
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
23 Days until: London!
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FILMMAKER1
Posts: 661 4/29/09 7:25 P
"Guns, Germs and Steel" - That's funny...I'm reading my son's copy he left here a couple of years ago.
"Eater's Manifesto" -- Sounds like my kind of book.
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." - Maya Angelou
Change your mind and your life will follow.
MYREALANA
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 4/29/09 5:11 P
"In Defense of Food - An Eaters Manifesto" by Michael Pollan
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
23 Days until: London!
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MYREALANA
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 4/29/09 4:58 P
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond, --------- My son read that for Social Studies this fall. I've been thinking about reading it since then.
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
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FILMMAKER1
Posts: 661 4/20/09 5:21 P
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond,
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." - Maya Angelou
Change your mind and your life will follow.
DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 4/10/09 2:44 P
Just finished reading (over the last 4 days)
8 Minutes in the morning for Real shapes Real sizes by Jorge Cruise
Curves by Gary Heavin
Found good ideas for adjusting my diet and workouts.
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
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FILMMAKER1
Posts: 661 4/7/09 10:58 A
I loved The Secret, too. It is a fine culmination of the writings on the law of attraction. I also love The Secret Daily Calendar. I keep the pages and use them as book marks, etc..
Edited by: FILMMAKER1 at: 10/23/2009 (19:45)
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." - Maya Angelou
Change your mind and your life will follow.
DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 4/7/09 10:29 A
Just finished reading "You're not sick, You're Thirsty" from F. Batmanghelidj, MD. It is about the importance of water for health, for healing, for life. Fantastic reading and motivation for my daily water drinking.
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
current weight: 220.0
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DMATT35
SparkPoints: (23,271)
Fitness Minutes: (37,009) Posts: 3,922 4/6/09 1:51 P
Just finished re-reading the Secret and also watch the movie. WOW!!!
Debbie Matthews
"Your life is a mirror of the dominant thoughts you think".............Buddha
current weight: 220.0
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MYREALANA
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 3/20/09 10:04 A
I try to alternate fiction and non-fiction on my reading list. After going through many years of schooling with boring biographies stuffed down my throat in the name of non-fiction, I have been amazed in my adult life to find out how diverse and truly fascinating the realm of non-fiction literature can really be.
I am reading "The Post American World" by Fareed Zakaria right now. It's very interesting, and unlike a lot of other books about socio-economics, it's very reader-friendly. I'm going to have to check into some of his other works when I finish this one.
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
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FILMMAKER1
Posts: 661 3/20/09 7:26 A
"The Third Angel" - Alice Hoffman
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." - Maya Angelou
Change your mind and your life will follow.
FILMMAKER1
Posts: 661 3/18/09 11:12 A
Yes, when I was commuting to work every day, I would listened to many audio books. I don't listen to radio (other than NPR), so it was a great way to pass the hour each way. I also have a few audio books on business topics in my ipod.
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." - Maya Angelou
Change your mind and your life will follow.
CELAINE1
Posts: 1,541 3/18/09 10:53 A
Have you tried the audio tape/disc of these books? I did and really enjoyed both. It was something to do on long drives back and forth to work.
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FILMMAKER1
Posts: 661 3/17/09 12:15 P
"I am the Clay" - Chaim Potok A tale about the trek of a Korean peasant couple and an orphaned boy across a war-blighted landscape.
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." - Maya Angelou
Change your mind and your life will follow.
FILMMAKER1
Posts: 661 2/24/09 7:22 A
"The Forgotten Man" - Amity Schlaes A history of the Great Depression.
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." - Maya Angelou
Change your mind and your life will follow.
FILMMAKER1
Posts: 661 2/18/09 8:59 A
I recommend the movie "The Fountainhead", adapted from the book, starring Gary Cooper and Patricia O'Neal. I was an undergrad lit major--I did my time with Ayn! I'm having a renewed "love affair" with Carson McCullers right now, however. She was ahead of her time. My favorites: "A Member of the Wedding" and "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter". Lyrical and transporting stuff.
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." - Maya Angelou
Change your mind and your life will follow.
MYREALANA
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 2/17/09 1:24 P
"I'm just starting 'The Fountainhead' by Ayn Rand after it was mentioned on another team Have to say I'm finding it tough going.Anyone else familiar with it? "
I read it in high school. It was easier having a teacher to discuss things with chapter by chapter - but it's a formidable book.
I pulled out my copy of "Atlas Shrugged" about a week ago, but it's printed so tiny, I can barely read it. I guess Atlas can keep on shrugging without me unless I find a bigger print copy.
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
23 Days until: London!
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FILMMAKER1
Posts: 661 2/16/09 5:23 P
"A Mercy" by Toni Morrison
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." - Maya Angelou
Change your mind and your life will follow.
CEELEE53
Posts: 4,773 2/16/09 11:29 A
Just finished a book called "Conservatives Without Conscience" by John W. Dean that I can highly recommend to those trying to wrap their brains around the current evolution of the Republican party.
"Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country." Franklin D. Roosevelt
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MYREALANA
SparkPoints: (26,998)
Fitness Minutes: (21,417) Posts: 3,480 12/10/08 2:09 P
For non-fiction, I recommend: "Freakonomics" - It presents a new viewpoint on several social issues, from an economist's perspective. "The Tipping Point" and "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell - Both explore different aspects of human behavior and decision making. "Don't Know Much About History" - Which is just fun for people who want to know about History, but hated History class.
For fiction, I recommend: "The Dresden Files" by Jim Butcher - there are 10 so far. They're fast-paced, funny, and totally entertaining. "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" - I was entranced by this story, told from an autistic teen's point of view.
--Myrea
"If you can't do something smart, do something right." -- Shepherd Book
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*DEVA*
Posts: 3,866 11/18/08 9:20 A
anyone read the diary of anais nin? i can't find volume 1 at our local library and i don't like starting a series without reading the first book. :(
DeVa
It didn't take a day to gain, it won't take a day to lose. Let's be Fitbit friends: www.fitbit.com/user/24WJT5
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SEGHNI
Posts: 228 11/17/08 10:00 A
I'm just starting 'The Fountainhead' by Ayn Rand after it was mentioned on another team Have to say I'm finding it tough going.Anyone else familiar with it? I also liked,The time travellers wife,the kite runner,and have a copy of 'Reading Lolita in Tehran' in my bathroom which I'm reading in 'instalments' when I've a few minutes to kill!
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NATHELESS
Posts: 5,418 11/10/08 5:02 P
"Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts"
by Carol Tavris, Elliot Aronson
"Why do people dodge responsibility when things fall apart? Why the parade of public figures unable to own up when they screw up? Why the endless marital quarrels over who is right? Why can we see hypocrisy in others but not in ourselves? Are we all liars? Or do we really believe the stories we tell?
Backed by years of research and delivered in lively, energetic prose, Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me) offers a fascinating explanation of self-deception—how it works, the harm it can cause, and how we can overcome it."
Fascinating is the right word.
2013: A year to become my best self yet! Eating well, being active and loving life as long and hard as possible.
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